And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

MARK 4:21KJV
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Mark 4:21 (KJV)

What does Mark 4:21 mean?

Mark 4:21 describes Jesus asking if someone lights a candle just to hide it under a basket or a bed, instead of putting it on a stand where it can give light. The verse uses this question to show that something meant to bring light or truth should not be concealed but displayed openly.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His disciples as part of a series of teachings using everyday images. The “candle” refers to a small oil lamp, and the “bushel” is a measuring basket. By using this picture, Jesus points out that His message—like a lamp—is meant to be seen and not hidden away. This saying comes right after the parable of the sower, connecting the idea of receiving and sharing God’s word.

The Greek behind Mark 4:21

  • “Candle” (λύχνος, luchnos): This word means a small oil lamp, not a wax candle. Understanding this helps picture the scene more accurately, as these lamps were common household items meant to light up a room.
  • “Bushel” (μόδιος, modios): This is a grain-measuring basket, not a random container. The image is of something practical but not meant for covering light, which highlights the oddness of hiding a lamp.
  • “Candlestick” (λυχνία, luchnia): This is a lampstand, a piece of furniture designed to hold and display the lamp so it can shine as far as possible.

Why Mark 4:21 matters

  • Mark 4:21 clears up the idea that Jesus’ teachings were meant to be secret or hidden; instead, they are meant to be shared and made visible.
  • The verse emphasizes the responsibility of those who receive Jesus’ message to let it shine out, not keep it to themselves.
  • This saying ties into the wider passage about hearing and responding to God’s word, showing that understanding is meant to lead to action and openness.

Where else these words appear

“bushel” Greek G3426 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

“bed” Greek G2825 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
  • Mark 7:30 And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.
  • Luke 17:34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

“candlestick” Greek G3087 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • Hebrews 9:2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
  • Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

“Is” Greek G3385 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
  • Mark 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
  • John 8:22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.